
Port of Wyndham. Photo: Kimberley Ports Authority
ORD VALLEY cotton production is expected to benefit from the announcement that the Port of Wyndham has been granted First Port of Entry (FPOE) status.
The Federal Government last week approved the application for expanded border services at Wyndham as well as other Western Australian ports at Ashburton and Dampier.
This will allow for more direct international shipping, meaning businesses and industries in the north will be able to import and export goods closer to their operations, without having to transit through ports further way.
The FPOE status will also permit companies to import the empty containers required to export cotton.
The move coincides with the development of the Kununurra Cotton Gin, which is expected to be completed in mid-2025.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with Cambridge Gulf Limited chief executive officer and Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley deputy president Tony Chafer. Photo: East Kimberley Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
These steps will enable Ord Valley cotton to be processed and exported in the region without having to be transported interstate.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King travelled to Kununurra last week to make the announcement.
Mr Albanese said the FPOE status would be a “game-changer” for the Ord cotton industry and Port of Wyndham.
“Cotton’s an industry that can grow here, but it can only grow if it has the capacity for export,” Mr Albanese said.
“[I]n order to do that, you need to have the customs facilities so that you can have a seamless export process which boosts productivity.
“By having customs facilities directly there, it changes the way that the Kimberley will be able to operate in the future.
“It is productivity improving, it’s job creating and it’s economic growth enhancing.”
WA Premier Roger Cook said the announcement was a “critically important decision that will unlock significant economic opportunities across the Kimberley and Pilbara”.
“Allowing direct imports and exports through Wyndham Port is a major boost for the East Kimberley’s agricultural, resources and tourism industries, reducing costs for local businesses and kickstarting a new era for economic development in the region,” Mr Cook said.
The Port of Wyndam’s operations and management is overseen by Cambridge Gulf Limited.
CGL chief executive officer and Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley deputy president Tony Chafer welcomed the decision.
He said the announcement would strengthen local supply chains and significantly cut transport costs for agricultural, resources and tourism sector businesses.
“These investments represent a significant opportunity for Wyndham and Kununurra,” Mr Chafer said.
“They’re the result of strong partnerships with traditional owners MG Corporation and Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation, community stakeholders, and all levels of government.
“Together, we’re building a brighter, more connected, and inclusive future for our region.”
Source: Australian Government, Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley
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